Mia Kerick

As kids, Eric was the prince to Joey's Disney princess. But when Joey is bullied in middle school, Eric must decide which side he'll stand on... and both teens will face the consequences of that choice for years to come.

The Princess of Baker Street

Candyce Kirk

After reading the summary of this book, I never thought I would read the book that I did. The Princess of Baker Street is told by Eric. He's in middle school and doesn't have the easiest life at home. Ever since his grandmother moved to a home, things haven't been the same. He's just trying to stay under the radar, even if that means he can't support his best friend who is being bullied daily.

Joey was always the princess of the street they lived on. During this story, Eric remembers different things from his childhood and how happy he was when he was around Joey. Joey was the princess of Baker Street. Everyone thinks Joey is a boy, but that's not how he feels. As kids this was accepted, but since middle school, he is constantly bullied. Having a less than accepting father doesn't help him any either.

This book was hard to read, because how Joey is treated is so cruel. And I think Eric is put in the spot a lot of kids are. Do you stand up for your friends? Or risk getting the bullies on you? Eric is barely surviving at home and he's afraid someone will find out what's going on. His mother has seemed to disappear. How can a 13 year old survive all on his own?

I felt so bad for Eric, trying to keep everything under control at an age that he shouldn't have to. I loved that he slowly started hanging around with Joey again and how he wanted to protect him. Even though Eric shouldn't have to do what he does, he's so strong. Joey is so clear about how he feels. He's not in the wrong body. I thought it was very brave he was so outspoken about his. I'm sure it's hard in today's society to be open about this part of your life.

Unfortunately this book is very realistic. I think this author did an amazing job writing these characters. I think it really shows the consequences of what bullying and neglect do. The Princess of Baker Street is a book I think high schoolers should really read. Maybe even in middle school. I was very happy with the ending of the book, even if it may not be how all stories end for children in Eric and Joey's position. Kids should be educated, because not enough know the facts.

I'm normally not one for trigger warnings, but this is a book filled with a lot of sensitive subjects: abuse, neglect, bulying and attempted suicide.

The Princess of Baker Street

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